5 Monthly testing and inspections
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1432 – Revised Guidelines for the Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Protection Systems and Appliances – (31 May 2012) - Annex – Revised Guidelines for the Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Protection Systems and Appliances - 5 Monthly testing and inspections

5 Monthly testing and inspections

 Monthly inspections should be carried out to ensure that the indicated actions are taken for the specified equipment.

  5.1 Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles

  • .1 verify all fire hydrants, hose and nozzles are in place, properly arranged, and are in serviceable condition;

  • .2 operate all fire pumps to confirm that they continue to supply adequate pressure; and

  • .3 emergency fire pump fuel supply adequate, and heating system in satisfactory condition, if applicable.

  5.2 Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems

 Verify containers/cylinders fitted with pressure gauges are in the proper range and the installation free from leakage.

  5.3 Foam fire-extinguishing systems

 Verify all control and section valves are in the proper open or closed position, and all pressure gauges are in the proper range.

  5.4 Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems

  • .1 verify all control, pump unit and section valves are in the proper open or closed position;

  • .2 verify sprinkler pressure tanks or other means have correct levels of water;

  • .3 test automatic starting arrangements on all system pumps so designed;

  • .4 verify all standby pressure and air/gas pressure gauges are within the proper pressure ranges; and

  • .5 test a selected sample of system section valves for flow and proper initiation of alarms. (Note – The valves selected for testing should be chosen to ensure that all valves are tested within a one-year period.)

  5.5 Firefighter's outfits

 Verify lockers providing storage for fire-fighting equipment contain their full inventory and equipment is in serviceable condition.

  5.6 Fixed dry chemical powder systems

 Verify all control and section valves are in the proper open or closed position, and all pressure gauges are in the proper range.

  5.7 Fixed aerosol extinguishing systems

  • .1 verify all electrical connections and/or manual operating stations are properly arranged, and are in proper condition; and

  • .2 verify the actuation system/control panel circuits are within manufacturer's specifications.

  5.8 Portable foam applicators

 Verify all portable foam applicators are in place, properly arranged, and are in proper condition.

  5.9 Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers

 Verify all extinguishers are in place, properly arranged, and are in proper condition.

  5.10 Fixed fire detection and alarm systems

 Test a sample of detectors and manual call points so that all devices have been tested within five years. For very large systems the sample size should be determined by the Administration.

Parent topic: Annex – Revised Guidelines for the Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Protection Systems and Appliances
Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.